Stabilized cutting tool assemblies

ABSTRACT

Stabilized cutting tool assemblies. A cutting tool assembly for use with a reference surface includes a tool holder having a rotational axis. The tool holder is arranged for attachment to a drive source arranged to rotate the tool holder and move the tool holder relative to a reference surface. The cutting tool assembly includes a rotatable cutting tool coupled to the tool holder. The cutting tool includes a cutting surface and has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed adjacent the tool holder. The cutting tool assembly includes a stabilizer coupled to the cutting tool adjacent the second portion. The stabilizer has a bearing surface. The bearing surface is positioned on the second portion to abut the reference surface and to stabilize the cutting tool when the drive source moves the tool holder and the cutting tool to a position adjacent the reference surface.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present patent relates generally to cutting tools used inmanufacturing processes such as, for example, additive manufacturingprocesses and, in particular, relates to stabilized cutting toolassemblies for use in such manufacturing processes.

BACKGROUND

In some additive manufacturing processes (e.g., powder bed fusion), oneor more parts are produced on a build platform by melting and fusingmaterial together. After the parts are produced, the parts can beremoved from the build platform using a cutting tool referred to as aslitter or a slotter.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first example, a cutting tool assembly includes atool holder having a rotational axis. The tool holder being arranged forattachment to a drive source arranged to rotate the tool holder aboutthe rotational axis and move the tool holder relative to a referencesurface. The cutting tool assembly includes a cutting tool removablycoupled to the tool holder to rotate with the tool holder about therotational axis. The cutting tool includes a cutting surface and havinga first portion arranged for placement adjacent to the referencesurface. The cutting tool assembly includes a stabilizer carried by thefirst portion of the cutting tool. The stabilizer has a bearing surface.The bearing surface is arranged to be positioned against the referencesurface. Contact between the stabilizer and the reference surfacestabilizes the cutting tool when the drive source rotates and/or movesthe tool holder and the cutting tool relative to the reference surface.

In accordance with a second example, a cutting tool assembly includes adrive source having a rotatable chuck assembly and movable relative to areference surface. The cutting tool assembly includes a tool holderremovably attachable to the chuck assembly. The tool holder is rotatableabout a rotational axis. A cutting tool is removably coupled to the toolholder and arranged to rotate with the tool holder about the rotationalaxis. The cutting tool includes a cutting surface. The cutting toolassembly includes a stabilizing component carried by a portion of thecutting tool. The stabilizing component having a bearing surfacearranged to be positioned against the reference surface. Contact betweenthe stabilizing component and the reference surface stabilizes thecutting tool when the drive source rotates and/or moves the tool holderand the cutting tool relative to the reference surface.

In accordance with a third example, a method includes providing a drivesource having a rotatable chuck assembly and movable relative to areference surface. The method includes providing a tool holder removablyattachable to the chuck assembly. The tool holder is rotatable about arotational axis. The method includes providing a cutting tool arrangedto be removably coupled to the tool holder and arranged to rotate withthe tool holder about the rotational axis, and providing a cuttingsurface on the cutting tool. The method includes securing a stabilizingcomponent to a portion of the cutting tool. The stabilizing componentbeing provided with a bearing surface. The method includes moving thedrive source to position the cutting tool to a position adjacent to thereference surface. The method includes using the drive source to rotatethe tool holder and the cutting tool bringing the stabilizing componentinto contact with the reference surface to thereby stabilize the cuttingtool.

In further accordance with the foregoing first, second and/or thirdexamples, an apparatus and/or method may further include any one or moreof the following:

In an example, the bearing surface is arranged on the first portion ofthe cutting tool in a pattern that surrounds the rotational axis.

In another example, the pattern is disc-shaped.

In another example, the pattern is discontinuous and includes aplurality of sections.

In another example, the bearing surface includes a plurality of bearingsdisposed in a bearing race.

In another example, the tool holder includes a fluid passage, and thecutting tool includes an aperture in flow communication with the fluidpassage. The passage and the aperture cooperating to permit the flow ofa fluid from the fluid passage, through the aperture, and past thestabilizer.

In another example, the flow of fluid goes through an aperture in thestabilizer.

In another example, the first portion of the cutting tool includes arecess. At least a portion of the stabilizer is disposed in the recess.

In another example, further including a guard surrounding at least aportion of the stabilizer.

In another example, the guard is compressible.

In another example, the guard is a continuous ring.

In another example, the guard includes a brush.

In another example, the stabilizer includes a ceramic.

In another example, the stabilizer includes a protrusion.

In another example, the protrusion is centered about the rotationalaxis.

In another example, the stabilizer includes a compressible portion.

In another example, the stabilizing component includes a contact layerapplied to the portion of the cutting tool. The contact layer is formedof a material that is dissimilar to a material of the cutting surface ofthe cutting tool.

In another example, the contact layer is arranged in a circular patternabout the rotational axis.

In another example, the stabilizing component includes bearings disposedin a bearing race, and arranged about the rotational axis.

In another example, the tool holder includes a fluid passage and thecutting tool includes an aperture. The fluid passage and the apertureare arranged to communicate a fluid to an area adjacent the stabilizingcomponent.

In another example, the method includes forming the stabilizingcomponent as a contact layer applied to the portion of the cutting tool,and forming the contact layer of a material that is dissimilar to amaterial of the cutting surface of the cutting tool.

In another example, the method includes arranging the contact layer in acircular pattern about the rotational axis.

In another example, the method includes forming the circular pattern asa disc, a ring, or as a series of discontinuous sections.

In another example, the method includes providing a circular guardconcentric with the stabilizing component.

In another example, the method includes providing the tool holder with afluid passage and providing the cutting tool with an aperture, andarranging the fluid passage and the aperture to communicate a fluid toan area adjacent the stabilizing component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates is a cutting tool assembly assembled in accordancewith the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a cutting tool and a stabilizer ofthe cutting tool assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cutting tool and thestabilizer of the cutting tool assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line A-Aof FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a plan view of another stabilizer that can be used with thecutting tool assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a side view of another stabilizer including bearings and aguard that can be used with the cutting tool assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the stabilizer of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stabilizer of FIG. 5taken along line B-B of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of another stabilizer including bearingsdisposed in concentric bearing races that can be used with the cuttingtool assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of the stabilizer of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of another stabilizer including aprotrusion that can be used with the cutting tool assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11 illustrates a plan view of the stabilizer of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stabilizer of FIG. 10taken along line D-D of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 13 illustrates another stabilizer including bearings that can beused to implement the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates another example implementation of a cutting toolassembly in accordance with another example of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates another example implementation of a cutting toolassembly in accordance with another example of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the bladeplatform of the cutting tool assembly and the part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the following text discloses a detailed description of examplemethods, apparatus and/or articles of manufacture, it should beunderstood that the legal scope of the property right is defined by thewords of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. Accordingly,the following detailed description is to be construed as examples onlyand does not describe every possible example, as describing everypossible example would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerousalternative examples could be implemented, using either currenttechnology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent.It is envisioned that such alternative examples would still fall withinthe scope of the claims.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a cutting toolassembly 10 assembled in accordance with a first disclosed example ofthe present invention. In accordance with the disclosed example, thecutting tool assembly 10 is arranged for use with respect to a referencesurface R, which may be formed on a substrate S. The reference surface Rand the substrate S may be commonly employed on an additivemanufacturing machine M, which can be used to make, for example, variousparts P1 and P2. The cutting tool assembly 10 may be used to trim, cut,shape, etc., one or more surfaces of the parts P1 and P2, and may alsobe used to remove the parts P1 and P2 from the substrate S. In oneimplementation, the reference surface R may be formed by or be a part ofthe build platform. In other implementations, the reference surface Rmay be a component that is separate from the build platform.

The cutting tool assembly 10 includes a tool holder 12 having arotational axis A. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that ashank 14 of the tool holder 12 is attachable to a drive chuck 16 of adrive source 18, with the drive chuck 16 and the drive source 18 beingshown schematically in the Figure. The shank 14, the chuck 16, and thedrive source 18 may be conventional. Further, those of skill in the artwill understand that the drive source and/or the chuck 16 may be movablein or along, for example, the X, Y and/or Z axes, and further may berotatable about an another axis A2 disposed at an angle relative to theaxis A, such that the cutting tool assembly 10 may be positioned asdesired relative to the substrate S, the reference surface R, and/or theparts P1 and P2.

A rotatable cutting tool 20 is coupled to the tool holder 12 in anysuitable fashion, such as by a plurality of fasteners 21 (see, forexample, FIG. 2 ), or by any other suitable securement mechanism. Thus,the cutting tool 20 may be removable from the tool holder 12. Thecutting tool 20 includes a peripheral cutting edge 22, and furtherincludes a first portion 24 and a second portion 26. The first portion24 is disposed upwardly when viewing FIG. 1 , which places the firstportion 24 adjacent or otherwise facing the tool holder 12 and thesecond portion 26 is disposed downwardly and thus facing in a directionopposite the tool holder 12.

A stabilizer 28 is coupled to the cutting tool 20 adjacent the secondportion 26 of the cutting tool 20. The stabilizer 28 includes a bearingsurface 30, with the bearing surface 30 positioned on or otherwiseadjacent to the second portion 26 of the cutting tool 20. Consequently,the bearing surface 30 of the stabilizer 28 may be positioned to abutthe reference surface R when the cutting tool assembly 10 is moved to aposition adjacent to the reference surface R, which, in accordance withthe disclosed example, fosters the stabilization of the cutting tool 20relative to the reference surface R and the various parts P1, P2. Basedon the stabilization provided by the stabilizer 28, the relative lengthof the tool holder 12 and the shank 14 can be increased without thecutting tool assembly 10 wobbling or otherwise behaving in a manner thatdecreases the useful life of the cutting tool assembly 10 or the qualityof the parts P1, P2 produced.

The bearing surface 30 may be formed of a low-friction material such asceramic to reduce the friction between the bearing surface 30 and thereference surface R when the bearing surface 30 abuts the referencesurface R. Other materials may also prove suitable. It will beunderstood that the bearing surface will preferably be of a materialthat is dissimilar to the material used to form the cutting edge of thecutting tool. In this example, the bearing surface 30 is a ring-shapecomponent or pattern that is centered about or otherwise surrounding theaxis A. However, the bearing surface 30 can alternatively be adiscontinuous pattern and include a plurality of sections arranged aboutthe rotational axis A (see, for example, FIG. 4 ).

The tool holder 12 includes a passage 32 and the cutting tool 20includes an aperture 34. The passage 32 of the tool holder 12 and theaperture 34 of the cutting tool 20 are in flow communication with oneanother to provide a flow path to adjacent the stabilizer 28. Thestabilizer 28 also includes an aperture 36 in flow communication withthe passage 32 of the tool holder 12 and the aperture 34 of the cuttingtool 20. As a result, coolant or lubricant may flow through the passage32, the aperture 34, and the aperture 36, which are aligned, to movechips away from a movement path of the cutting tool 20 and away from aninterface between the bearing surface 30 and the reference surface Rwhen the bearing surface 30 of the stabilizer 28 abuts the referencesurface R.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the cutting tool 20 is adisc-shaped saw blade 38 that is coupled to the tool holder 12 via thefasteners 21. The fasteners 21 extend through the saw blade 38 and thestabilizer 28 and are threadably received by the tool holder 12. As alsoshown in FIG. 2 , in the disclosed example, the peripheral cutting edge22 is formed of a plurality of outwardly extending teeth 40, with eachof the teeth 40 preferably having a cutting insert 42. Those of skill inthe relevant art will readily understand that the teachings outlinedherein may be equally applicable to other forms of cutting tools. Forexample, teachings may be applied to, for example, the exemplary cuttingtools shown in FIGS. 3 through 14 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , a cross-sectional view of the stabilizer 28 takenalong A-A of FIG. 2 is shown. The second portion 26 of the cutting tool20 includes a recess 44 into which an upper portion 46 of the stabilizer28 is disposed. The cutting tool 20 and the stabilizer 28 includealigned apertures 48, 50. The fasteners 21 extend through the apertures48, 50 to couple the cutting tool 20 and the stabilizer 28 to the toolholder 12. While the stabilizer 28 is shown in FIG. 3 received withinthe recess 44 of the cutting tool 20, alternatively, the cutting tool 20can include a through hole such that the stabilizer 28 is coupled to thetool holder 12 directly without the cutting tool 20 being positionedbetween the stabilizer 28 and the tool holder 12.

Referring to FIG. 4 , another example stabilizer 400 is coupled to thecutting tool 20. The stabilizer 400 is similar to the stabilizer 28 ofFIG. 2 . However, the stabilizer 400 of FIG. 4 includes a plurality ofsections 402, 404, 406, 408 forming a bearing surface 409 that arearranged about the rotational axis A. Channels 410, 412, 414, 416 aredefined between the sections 402 through 408. Thus, the bearing surface409 is discontinuous. A center inset 418 surrounds the rotational axis Aand connects the channels 410 through 416. As a result of the channels410 through 416 and the center inset 418, when the bearing surface 409of the stabilizer 400 abuts the reference surface R and coolant orlubricant flows through the aperture 36, the coolant or the lubricantcan flow through the channels 410 through 416 and the center inset 418to move chips away from a movement path of the cutting tool 20 and awayfrom an interface between the bearing surface 400 and the referencesurface R.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , another stabilizer 500 is coupled to thecutting tool 20. The stabilizer 500 includes a bearing surface 502. Thebearing surface 502 includes first bearings 504 disposed in a bearingrace 506 (FIG. 6 ) and a second bearing 508 disposed in a housing 510(FIG. 6 ). Channels 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526 (FIG. 6 ) aredefined between the first bearings 504. Thus, when the bearing surface502 of the stabilizer 500 abuts the reference surface R, lubricant orcoolant can flow out of the aperture 36, through the channels 512through 526 and exit radially from the cutting tool 20.

A guard 528 surrounds at least a portion of the stabilizer 500. When thebearing surface 502 of the stabilizer 500 abuts the reference surface R,the guard 528 deters chips generated during the cutting operation frombeing positioned within a movement path of the cutter cutting tool 20and from adversely affecting the bearings 504, 508. The guard 528 may beformed of a continuous ring or a ring-shaped brush. The guard 528 may becompressible via, for example, a compressible buffer, a spring(s), ashock(s) or a high-density foam washer(s). When the guard 528 iscompressible, the guard 528 may absorb some of the impact when thecutting tool 20 engages the reference surface R, thereby reducing thelikelihood that the cutting tool 20 is damaged. Additionally oralternatively, when the guard 528 is compressible, the guard 528 maycompensate for surface finish variations on the reference surfaced Rdepending on the relative location of the cutting tool 20 on thereference surface R by compressing or expanding.

Referring to FIG. 7 , a cross-sectional view of the stabilizer 500 takenalong B-B of FIG. 6 is shown. The stabilizer 500 is implemented by aninsert 529 that is received within an aperture 530 of the cutting tool20. The insert 529 includes the bearing race 506 housing the firstbearings 504 and the housing 510 housing the second bearing 508. Whilethe stabilizer 500 extends through the aperture 530 of the cutting tool20 to enable the stabilizer 500 to be directly coupled to the toolholder 12, the stabilizer 500 can alternatively define a recess thatreceives the insert 529. In such an example, the stabilizer 500 would becoupled to the tool holder 12 via the cutting tool 20 instead of beingdirectly coupled to the tool holder 12.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , a downward-facing cutting tool 800 is shownbeing coupled to the tool holder 12. The cutting tool 800 includes arecess 802 that receives a stabilizer 804. The stabilizer 804 includes abearing surface 806. The bearing surface 806 includes first bearings 808disposed in a first bearings race 810 (FIG. 9 ) and second bearings 812disposed in a second bearings race 814 (FIG. 9 ). Radial channels aredefined between the bearings 808, 812 that enable coolant or lubricantto flow therebetween when the bearings 806, 808 engage the referencesurface R. The second bearings 812 are positioned adjacent an outer edge816 of the cutting tool 800 to provide increased stability and supportadjacent the outer edge 814 of the cutting tool 800 when the bearings806, 808 engage the reference surface R.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 , another example stabilizer 1000 isshown coupled to the cutting tool 20. The stabilizer 1000 is a dome-likeprotrusion (a point stabilizer) that is centered about the rotationalaxis A. The stabilizer 1000 can have a rounded end or a pointed end. Thestabilizer 1000 includes apertures 1002 (FIG. 12 ) that receive thefasteners 21 to couple the stabilizer 1000 to the tool holder 12. Thestabilizer 1000 extends through an aperture 1004 (FIG. 12 ) of thecutting tool 20 to enable the stabilizer 1000 to be directly coupled tothe tool holder 12. Alternatively, the stabilizer 1100 can be receivedwithin a recess of the cutting tool 20 and coupled indirectly to thetool holder 12 via the cutting tool 20.

Referring to FIG. 13 , another stabilizer 1300 is coupled to thedownward-facing cutting tool 800. The cutting tool 800 includes therecess 802 that receives the stabilizer 1300. The stabilizer 1300includes bearings 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308, 1310 disposed in bearing races1312, 1314, 1316.

FIG. 14 illustrates another example implementation of a cutting toolassembly 1400 in accordance with another example of the presentinvention. In the example shown, the cutting tool assembly 1400 includesa tool holder 1402 and a pair of arms 1404. The tool holder 1402includes a shank 1406. The shank 1406 may be attachable to the drivechuck 16. The arms 1404 extend from tool holder sides 1408. The arms1404 include rounded ends 1405.

The tool holder sides 140 define tool holder apertures 1410. In theexample shown, the cutting tool assembly 1400 includes a cutter 1412.The cutter 1412 is implemented as a wire cutter 1414. The wire cutter1414 includes a cutting portion 1416. The wire cutter 1414 is positionedthrough the tool holder apertures 1410 and is positioned about the arms1404. An opening 1418 is defined between the arms 1414 and the wirecutter 1414. The arms 1414 including the rounded ends 1405 may act as aguide for the wire cutter 1414.

In operation, the chuck 16 may guide the part P1 through the opening1415. To cut the part P1, the wire cutter 1414 may be rotated in adirection generally indicated by arrow 1418. The chuck 16 may move thecutting tool assembly 1400 in a direction generally indicated by arrow1420 to allow the cutting portion 1416 of the wire cutter 1414 to comeinto contact with and cut the part P1.

FIG. 15 illustrates another example implementation of a cutting toolassembly 1500 in accordance with another example of the presentinvention. In the example shown, the cutting tool assembly 1500 includesa tool holder 1502 and a blade platform 1504.

In the example shown, the cutting tool assembly 1500 includes a cutter1506. The cutter 1506 is implemented as a chain blade 1508. The chainblade 1508 is receivable within the tool holder 1502 and is positionedabout the blade platform 1504. The blade platform 1504 acts as a guidefor the chain blade 1508.

In operation, the chain blade 1508 may be rotated in a directiongenerally indicated by arrow 1510. The chuck 16 may move the cuttingtool assembly 1500 relative to, for example, the part p1, to allow thechain blade 1508 to come into contact with and cut the part P1.

FIG. 16 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the bladeplatform 1504 of the cutting tool assembly 1500 and the part p1. In theexample shown, the stabilizer 28 is coupled to a surface 1512 of theblade platform 1504. The stabilizer 28 is shown abutting the referencesurface R. A guide 1514 is coupled to another surface 1516 of the bladeplatform 1504. The guide 1514 may be wedge shaped. In operation, whenthe chain blade 1508 is cutting the part p1 and a slot 1518 is formed inthe part p1, the guide 1514 may interact with a surface 1520 of the partp1 to guide and/or stabilize the chain blade 1508 and/or the bladeplatform 1504 within the slot 1518 to allow the part p1 to continue tobe cut by the chain blade 1508.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the above disclosedapparatus, methods and articles of manufacture enable objects to beeasily removed from a build platform of an example additivemanufacturing machine using an example cutting tool even when theobjects are densely arranged on the build platform, sometimes referredto as a “dense build.” To remove the objects from the build platform, ahorizontal cutter disc is used to cut the base of the respectiveobjects. To provide increased stability and/or rigidity when the objectshave a relatively large base or require a relatively long shaft toaccess the base of the objects, the examples disclosed herein providethe cutting tools with stabilizers that engage the build platform itselfduring the cutting operation. Thus, in contrast to some known examplesin which the distal end of the cutting tool adjacent the build platformis unsupported, the examples disclosed herein provide additionalrigidity and/or support for the cutting tools by structuring the distalend of the cutting tools to engage the build platform during cuttingoperations.

Additive manufacturing processes can be configured to produce parts on asubstrate sometimes referred to as a build platform. To remove theseparts from the build platform, the parts can be cut from the buildplatform using a cutting tool. The cutting tool may be implemented by adownward-facing cutter, a saw, a slotting tool, a milling cutter, agrooving cutter, a grooving tool or a slitting tool.

When a number of parts are built on the substrate and those parts arerelatively tall, the shaft of the cutting tool carrying the cutter mayalso be relatively long to enable the cutting tool to be placed betweenimmediately adjacent parts and at the base of the part being cut fromthe build platform. Similarly, when a number of parts are built on thesubstrate and those parts have a relatively large base, the cutting toolmay have a relatively large effective cut thickness. In either of theseknown examples, the distal end of cutting tool is spaced from the buildplatform during the cutting operation and, thus, is not supported. Whenthe shaft is relatively long or when the cutting tool has a relativelylarge effective cut thickness, known cutting tools tend to have poorrigidity, encounter frequent tool breakages, have reduced accuracyand/or have degraded surface finish because the distal end of thecutting tool is not supported.

To increase rigidity, to reduce tool breakages, to increase accuracy, toincrease stabilization and to increase the quality of the surfacefinish, the examples disclosed herein relate to cutting tools havingdistal ends that engage and are supported by the build platform duringcutting operations. As a result, the disclosed examples increase thestability of the cutting tool when a cutting operation takes place. Toenable the distal end of the cutting tool to be supported by the buildplatform, the tool holder or the cutting tool carries a stabilizer thatengages the build platform during a cutting operation. The stabilizercan be directly coupled to the tool holder. The stabilizer canalternatively be directly coupled to the cutting tool. In either ofthese examples, the stabilizers can be reused with another cutter afterthe useful life of the initially associated cutter has expired.

The disclosed stabilizers can be implemented by one or more of a glidering(s), a bearing race(s) including a bearing(s), bearings or a pointstabilizer(s). The glide ring can be an annular ring that is implementedby ceramic or another material that enables the cutting tool to easilyrotate about the glide ring when the glide ring engages the buildplatform. When the stabilizer is implemented by a point stabilizer, thepoint stabilizer may be a protrusion having a rounded or pointed endthat enables the cutting tool to easily rotate about the protrusion whenthe protrusion engages the build platform.

To deter chips produced during the cutting procedure from affecting theengagement between the distal end of the cutting tool and the buildplatform or, more generally, to push the chips out of the way of thestabilizer, in some examples, a skirt (a guard) surrounds thestabilizer. The skirt may be implemented as a ring, fins, a brush, aspring, a high density foam, or a rubber washer, etc. Additionally oralternatively, to deter chips produced during the cutting procedure fromaffecting the engagement between the stabilizer and the build platform,in some examples, the cutting tool is self-lubricated or intercooled toreduce heat associated with friction produced during cutting operationsbetween the cutting tool and the build platform. The cutting tool can beself-lubricating with oil or any other substance. When the cutting toolis self-lubricated or intercooled, channels can be defined to enable thelubricant or coolant to flow to the cutting surface and between thestabilizer and the build platform. The lubricant and the coolant maysmooth movement and otherwise reduce friction between the cutting tooland the build platform during cutting operations.

Further, while several examples have been disclosed herein, any featuresfrom any examples may be combined with or replaced by other featuresfrom other examples. Moreover, while several examples have beendisclosed herein, changes may be made to the disclosed examples withindeparting from the scope of the claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A cutting tool assembly, comprising: a toolholder having a rotational axis, the tool holder arranged for attachmentto a drive source arranged to rotate the tool holder about therotational axis and move the tool holder relative to a referencesurface; a cutting tool removably coupled to the tool holder to rotatewith the tool holder about the rotational axis, the cutting toolincluding a cutting surface and having a first portion that faces towardthe tool holder and a second portion that is opposite the first portionand faces away from the tool holder, the second portion arranged forplacement adjacent to the reference surface; a stabilizer carried by thesecond portion of the cutting tool, the stabilizer having a bearingsurface, the bearing surface arranged to be positioned against thereference surface; and a plurality of fasteners that removably couplethe cutting tool and the stabilizer to the tool holder, wherein each ofthe plurality of fasteners extends through the cutting tool, extendsthrough the stabilizer, and is received by the tool holder, whereincontact between the stabilizer and the reference surface stabilizes thecutting tool when the drive source rotates and/or moves the tool holderand the cutting tool relative to the reference surface, wherein thesecond portion of the cutting tool includes a recess, and wherein atleast a portion of the stabilizer is disposed in the recess such thatthe bearing surface is disposed outside of the recess and faces awayfrom the tool holder.
 2. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1, whereinthe bearing surface is arranged on the second portion of the cuttingtool in a pattern that surrounds the rotational axis.
 3. The cuttingtool assembly of claim 2, wherein the pattern is disc-shaped.
 4. Thecutting tool assembly of claim 3 wherein the pattern is discontinuousand includes a plurality of sections.
 5. The cutting tool assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the bearing surface comprises a plurality of bearingsdisposed in a bearing race.
 6. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1,wherein the tool holder includes a fluid passage, and the cutting toolincludes an aperture in fluid communication with the fluid passage, thefluid passage and the aperture cooperating to permit a flow of a fluidfrom the fluid passage, through the aperture, and past the stabilizer.7. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1, further including a guardsurrounding at least a portion of the stabilizer.
 8. The cutting toolassembly of claim 7, wherein the guard is compressible.
 9. The cuttingtool assembly of claim 7, wherein the guard is a continuous ring. 10.The cutting tool assembly of claim 7, wherein the guard comprises abrush.
 11. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1, wherein the stabilizerincludes a protrusion, the protrusion defining the bearing surface. 12.The cutting tool assembly of claim 11, wherein the protrusion iscentered about the rotational axis.
 13. The cutting tool assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the stabilizer includes a compressible portion.
 14. Thecutting tool assembly of claim 1, wherein the cutting tool surrounds theportion of the stabilizer disposed in the recess.
 15. The cutting toolassembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of fastenersis offset from the rotational axis.
 16. The cutting tool assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the bearing surface is made of ceramic.
 17. A cuttingtool assembly, comprising: a drive source having a rotatable chuckassembly and movable relative to a reference surface; a tool holderremovably attachable to the chuck assembly, the tool holder rotatableabout a rotational axis; a cutting tool removably coupled to the toolholder and arranged to rotate with the tool holder about the rotationalaxis, the cutting tool including a cutting surface, a first portion thatfaces toward the tool holder and a second portion that is opposite thefirst portion and faces away from the tool holder; a stabilizer carriedby the second portion of the cutting tool, the stabilizer having abearing surface arranged to be positioned against the reference surface;and a plurality of fasteners that removably couple the cutting tool andthe stabilizer to the tool holder, wherein each of the plurality offasteners extends through the cutting tool, extends through thestabilizer, and is received by the tool holder, and wherein contactbetween the stabilizing component and the reference surface stabilizesthe cutting tool when the drive source rotates and/or moves the toolholder and the cutting tool relative to the reference surface, whereinthe second portion of the cutting tool includes a recess, and wherein atleast a portion of the stabilizer is disposed in the recess such thatthe bearing surface is disposed outside of the recess and faces awayfrom the tool holder.
 18. The cutting tool assembly of claim 17, whereinthe stabilizing component comprises a contact layer applied to theportion of the cutting tool, and wherein the contact layer is formed ofa material that is dissimilar to a material of the cutting surface ofthe cutting tool.
 19. A method, comprising: providing a drive sourcehaving a rotatable chuck assembly and movable relative to a referencesurface; providing a tool holder removably attachable to the chuckassembly, the tool holder rotatable about a rotational axis; providing acutting tool arranged to be removably coupled to the tool holder andarranged to rotate with the tool holder about the rotational axis, andproviding a cutting surface on the cutting tool, wherein the cuttingtool has a first portion that faces toward the tool holder and a secondportion that is opposite the first portion and faces away from the toolholder; securing a stabilizer to the second portion of the cutting tool,the stabilizer provided with a bearing surface, wherein the cutting tooland the stabilizer are removably coupled to the tool holder via aplurality of fasteners, wherein each of the plurality of fastenersextends through the cutting tool, extends through the stabilizer, and isreceived by the tool holder; moving the drive source to position thecutting tool to a position adjacent to the reference surface; using thedrive source to rotate the tool holder and the cutting tool; andbringing the stabilizer into contact with the reference surface tothereby stabilize the cutting tool, wherein the second portion of thecutting tool includes a recess, and wherein at least a portion of thestabilizer is disposed in the recess such that the bearing surface isdisposed outside of the recess and faces away from the tool holder. 20.The method of claim 19, including forming the stabilizing component as acontact layer applied to the portion of the cutting tool, and formingthe contact layer of a material that is dissimilar to a material of thecutting surface of the cutting tool.